Washington D.C. – A series of U.S. airstrikes in northern Somalia's Puntland region have dealt a significant blow to the Islamic State (ISIS) presence, killing at least 16 militants, including key bomb-makers, according to Somali officials. The operation, conducted on Sunday, targeted hideouts in the Cal Miskaad mountain range, disrupting ISIS operations and further weakening the group's foothold in the region.   

Brigadier General Mohamud Mohamed Ahmed, a spokesperson for Puntland's security operations, confirmed the casualties to VOA's Somali Service. "The strike carried out by our international security partners killed at least 16 militants, including two senior members identified as the group's bomb-makers. A bomb factory was also destroyed," Ahmed stated. He added that local authorities are working to identify the nationalities of the deceased bomb-makers. The loss of these individuals and the destruction of their bomb-making facility represent a significant setback for ISIS's ability to conduct attacks in the region.   

The operation was a joint effort, with Ahmed acknowledging the crucial role of the United Arab Emirates alongside the United States. "The United States government and the United Arab Emirates, both our partners supporting us in the fight against terrorists, were involved in the strikes on Sunday night," he said. This collaborative approach underscores the international commitment to countering terrorism in the Horn of Africa.

The targeted locations were identified as Godka Kunle and Xankookin, two villages nestled within the Cal Miskaad mountains in Puntland's Bari region. This area has become a known haven for ISIS militants, exploiting the rugged terrain to establish bases and plan attacks.

During the airstrikes, ISIS militants attempted to retaliate, launching drone attacks on Puntland security forces' bases. However, their efforts were largely unsuccessful. "Trying to hit back at the bases of our security forces, the militants used seven drones. Puntland forces shot down five of them, and two others, apparently carrying explosives, detonated," Ahmed reported. The downing of the drones highlights the effectiveness of Puntland's defenses and the militants' limited capabilities.   

The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the airstrike in a statement, stating that it conducted an operation against ISIS-Somalia in northeastern Somalia on Sunday. While initial assessments indicated two terrorists were killed, the updated information from Puntland officials significantly raises that number. AFRICOM also emphasized that no civilians were harmed in the operation and that they are continuing to assess the results. This commitment to minimizing civilian casualties is a crucial aspect of U.S. military operations.   

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised the U.S. airstrikes, emphasizing the strong partnership between Somalia and the United States in the ongoing fight against terrorism. "The latest U.S. precision strikes against terrorist elements in Puntland reaffirm the strong partnership between Somalia and the United States in the fight against terrorism," Mohamud said in a statement released by the Somali National News Agency (SONNA).   

This latest operation marks the second U.S. airstrike in Somalia this month. Earlier, on February 1st, a similar operation targeted senior ISIS-Somalia leadership in a network of cave complexes in the Golis Mountains, also in Puntland. That strike killed approximately 14 ISIS operatives, including Ahmed Maeleninine, a key recruiter and financier responsible for coordinating the movement of jihadis into the U.S. and Europe. These successive operations demonstrate a renewed focus on dismantling ISIS's network in Somalia.   

The airstrikes come as Puntland authorities have intensified their own efforts against extremist groups in the region. Following months of preparation, Puntland launched a military offensive, claiming to have killed over 200 ISIS fighters, including foreign nationals, and recaptured several villages and bases previously held by the militants. The combined pressure from both international and local forces is clearly taking a toll on ISIS's presence in Puntland. The ongoing operations signal a determined effort to eradicate the terrorist group from the region and stabilize the area.

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